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Nano-F - Did I make a Mistake?

Papi
 

Okay. Here's my story: I recently returned a Nano H (the one with 4.0" screen) because although I bought a new one, the one sent was obviously used. In it's place I am awaiting delivery of a Nano-F (4.3"/metal box, etc).
My question is (and my mind is totally "fried" from reading bits and pieces about Nanos in general) did I make a mistake. I want the device for general antenna work. SWR, etc. I don't even expect to worry about using through devices. I am concerned, and more than a little bit confused, as to what to expect. I am not into lab type experimentation, I don't even want to attempt firmware upgrades (BTW, do I really have to?). I just want something to support "looking" at my ham antennas, tuning, etc. If a "F" is ordered, what does one get operationally? Is a nano a nano, a nano? Again, I'm not a rocket scientist (although reasonably technical especially with RF) and this purchase/research thing has been one of the most confusing I've ever been involved with!
Am I in the ballpark or did I make another mistake that I'll have to return? Thanks for insights!
 

While there are probably people on this list who can help with your question, you should probably address your question to the nanovna-f group at /g/nanovna-f.

Having written that, WRT to the SW upgrade question, there are generally two reasons that the code is changed: to fix one or more bugs and/or to add feature/function. You probably want to upgrade the code if the new code contains a bug fix. If the new code only contains additional feature/function, it is up to you to decide whether or not you need or want the new feature/function. Note that if you do upgrade the code for any reason, you will automatically have the latest bug fixes and features and functions.

DaveD

On 6/24/2021 9:13 AM, Papi wrote:
Okay. Here's my story: I recently returned a Nano H (the one with 4.0" screen) because although I bought a new one, the one sent was obviously used. In it's place I am awaiting delivery of a Nano-F (4.3"/metal box, etc).
My question is (and my mind is totally "fried" from reading bits and pieces about Nanos in general) did I make a mistake. I want the device for general antenna work. SWR, etc. I don't even expect to worry about using through devices. I am concerned, and more than a little bit confused, as to what to expect. I am not into lab type experimentation, I don't even want to attempt firmware upgrades (BTW, do I really have to?). I just want something to support "looking" at my ham antennas, tuning, etc. If a "F" is ordered, what does one get operationally? Is a nano a nano, a nano? Again, I'm not a rocket scientist (although reasonably technical especially with RF) and this purchase/research thing has been one of the most confusing I've ever been involved with!
Am I in the ballpark or did I make another mistake that I'll have to return? Thanks for insights!



--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
 

In my opinion you did not make a mistake for your purposes. I have been
using the "F" model for quite some time and am pleased with it. Upgrading
the "F" is far simpler than the others. All you need to do is:
1. connect the "F" to the computer via an USB cable
2. Download the upgrade, and unzip.
3. Press the center button or the rocker switch and turn the unit on. The
NanoVNA will become a drive to the computer.
4. Copy the upgrade files to the root directory of the NanoVNA-F.
5. Power cycle the NanoVNA-F.

*Clyde K. Spencer*

On Thu, Jun 24, 2021 at 9:50 AM Papi <papiflaps@...> wrote:

Okay. Here's my story: I recently returned a Nano H (the one with 4.0"
screen) because although I bought a new one, the one sent was obviously
used. In it's place I am awaiting delivery of a Nano-F (4.3"/metal box,
etc).
My question is (and my mind is totally "fried" from reading bits and
pieces about Nanos in general) did I make a mistake. I want the device for
general antenna work. SWR, etc. I don't even expect to worry about using
through devices. I am concerned, and more than a little bit confused, as to
what to expect. I am not into lab type experimentation, I don't even want
to attempt firmware upgrades (BTW, do I really have to?). I just want
something to support "looking" at my ham antennas, tuning, etc. If a "F" is
ordered, what does one get operationally? Is a nano a nano, a nano? Again,
I'm not a rocket scientist (although reasonably technical especially with
RF) and this purchase/research thing has been one of the most confusing
I've ever been involved with!
Am I in the ballpark or did I make another mistake that I'll have to
return? Thanks for insights!
 

The question regarding functionality and applicability has not been
addressed, so.......:

For the 'most' part, advances through the evolution of all the NANOs has
been a larger screen (I first bought the small screen and had to use a
magnifying glass for my 74 year old eyes), increases in (S+N) / N,
especially at the high frequencies, and increases in the highest usable
frequency of the units (I believe the latest now stops at 4 GHz?). I have
pretty much stopped at the NANO SAA-2N (which I still am unable to connect
to a PC). My NANO-F is the workhorse (outside of the HP 8753C which is NOT
portable!!), especially at the antenna feedpoints.

The NANO-F is a good choice for you as you can turn off the other three
displays and use only SWR (personally, I prefer the Smith Chart). Just be
aware that as a stand-alone, you have only 101 points of cal. and
measurement across your entire set frequency range. Connected to a PC or
laptop, you have as many as 1010 points of cal. and measurement using Saver
or other dedicated apps.

Dave - W?LEV

On Thu, Jun 24, 2021 at 7:53 AM Papi <papiflaps@...> wrote:

Okay. Here's my story: I recently returned a Nano H (the one with 4.0"
screen) because although I bought a new one, the one sent was obviously
used. In it's place I am awaiting delivery of a Nano-F (4.3"/metal box,
etc).
My question is (and my mind is totally "fried" from reading bits and
pieces about Nanos in general) did I make a mistake. I want the device for
general antenna work. SWR, etc. I don't even expect to worry about using
through devices. I am concerned, and more than a little bit confused, as to
what to expect. I am not into lab type experimentation, I don't even want
to attempt firmware upgrades (BTW, do I really have to?). I just want
something to support "looking" at my ham antennas, tuning, etc. If a "F" is
ordered, what does one get operationally? Is a nano a nano, a nano? Again,
I'm not a rocket scientist (although reasonably technical especially with
RF) and this purchase/research thing has been one of the most confusing
I've ever been involved with!
Am I in the ballpark or did I make another mistake that I'll have to
return? Thanks for insights!





--
*Dave - W?LEV*
*Just Let Darwin Work*
 

A correction David. The latest "F" has up to 301 calibration points.
Version 3.1.

*Clyde K. Spencer*



On Thu, Jun 24, 2021 at 4:17 PM David Eckhardt <davearea51a@...>
wrote:

The question regarding functionality and applicability has not been
addressed, so.......:

For the 'most' part, advances through the evolution of all the NANOs has
been a larger screen (I first bought the small screen and had to use a
magnifying glass for my 74 year old eyes), increases in (S+N) / N,
especially at the high frequencies, and increases in the highest usable
frequency of the units (I believe the latest now stops at 4 GHz?). I have
pretty much stopped at the NANO SAA-2N (which I still am unable to connect
to a PC). My NANO-F is the workhorse (outside of the HP 8753C which is NOT
portable!!), especially at the antenna feedpoints.

The NANO-F is a good choice for you as you can turn off the other three
displays and use only SWR (personally, I prefer the Smith Chart). Just be
aware that as a stand-alone, you have only 101 points of cal. and
measurement across your entire set frequency range. Connected to a PC or
laptop, you have as many as 1010 points of cal. and measurement using Saver
or other dedicated apps.

Dave - W?LEV

On Thu, Jun 24, 2021 at 7:53 AM Papi <papiflaps@...> wrote:

Okay. Here's my story: I recently returned a Nano H (the one with 4.0"
screen) because although I bought a new one, the one sent was obviously
used. In it's place I am awaiting delivery of a Nano-F (4.3"/metal box,
etc).
My question is (and my mind is totally "fried" from reading bits and
pieces about Nanos in general) did I make a mistake. I want the device
for
general antenna work. SWR, etc. I don't even expect to worry about using
through devices. I am concerned, and more than a little bit confused, as
to
what to expect. I am not into lab type experimentation, I don't even want
to attempt firmware upgrades (BTW, do I really have to?). I just want
something to support "looking" at my ham antennas, tuning, etc. If a "F"
is
ordered, what does one get operationally? Is a nano a nano, a nano?
Again,
I'm not a rocket scientist (although reasonably technical especially with
RF) and this purchase/research thing has been one of the most confusing
I've ever been involved with!
Am I in the ballpark or did I make another mistake that I'll have to
return? Thanks for insights!





--
*Dave - W?LEV*
*Just Let Darwin Work*
 

Thanks, Clyde. I knew that. My hope for the NANOs is that every EE school
buys one for their students. It's an absolutely wonderful teaching tool!!!!

Dave - W?LEV

On Thu, Jun 24, 2021 at 2:21 PM Clyde Spencer <cftr01b@...> wrote:

A correction David. The latest "F" has up to 301 calibration points.
Version 3.1.

*Clyde K. Spencer*



On Thu, Jun 24, 2021 at 4:17 PM David Eckhardt <davearea51a@...>
wrote:

The question regarding functionality and applicability has not been
addressed, so.......:

For the 'most' part, advances through the evolution of all the NANOs has
been a larger screen (I first bought the small screen and had to use a
magnifying glass for my 74 year old eyes), increases in (S+N) / N,
especially at the high frequencies, and increases in the highest usable
frequency of the units (I believe the latest now stops at 4 GHz?). I
have
pretty much stopped at the NANO SAA-2N (which I still am unable to
connect
to a PC). My NANO-F is the workhorse (outside of the HP 8753C which is
NOT
portable!!), especially at the antenna feedpoints.

The NANO-F is a good choice for you as you can turn off the other three
displays and use only SWR (personally, I prefer the Smith Chart). Just
be
aware that as a stand-alone, you have only 101 points of cal. and
measurement across your entire set frequency range. Connected to a PC
or
laptop, you have as many as 1010 points of cal. and measurement using
Saver
or other dedicated apps.

Dave - W?LEV

On Thu, Jun 24, 2021 at 7:53 AM Papi <papiflaps@...> wrote:

Okay. Here's my story: I recently returned a Nano H (the one with 4.0"
screen) because although I bought a new one, the one sent was obviously
used. In it's place I am awaiting delivery of a Nano-F (4.3"/metal box,
etc).
My question is (and my mind is totally "fried" from reading bits and
pieces about Nanos in general) did I make a mistake. I want the device
for
general antenna work. SWR, etc. I don't even expect to worry about
using
through devices. I am concerned, and more than a little bit confused,
as
to
what to expect. I am not into lab type experimentation, I don't even
want
to attempt firmware upgrades (BTW, do I really have to?). I just want
something to support "looking" at my ham antennas, tuning, etc. If a
"F"
is
ordered, what does one get operationally? Is a nano a nano, a nano?
Again,
I'm not a rocket scientist (although reasonably technical especially
with
RF) and this purchase/research thing has been one of the most confusing
I've ever been involved with!
Am I in the ballpark or did I make another mistake that I'll have to
return? Thanks for insights!





--
*Dave - W?LEV*
*Just Let Darwin Work*









--
*Dave - W?LEV*
*Just Let Darwin Work*
 

Hi,
The NanoVNA-F from Deepelec is the best in the CLASS !!!
That's why it's the one that has the most fakes !
See in

regards
Enrique LU8EFF
 

I agree that the DEEPELEC NanoVNA-F is the best out there, but if you have a small screen NanoVNA-H, the firmware can be upgraded to "1.0.45" with the larger and much more eye friendly font. The somewhat newer firmware, "1.0.64" reverts back to the smaller and less legible font.

Yes, I know you guys with younger eyes and good cataracts can read anything "just fine". Wait until you are pushing 80. As you are, was I one time. So as I am, so will you be.

Kees
 

I have the Deepelec NanoVNA-F, hardware v3.1 (with discreet buttons instead
of rocker switch).

I've been impressed by it so far. I like the shielded metal casing and
extra large battery. I haven't tried any of the PC software with it yet,
but after calibration the results with my antennas look about as expected.
The latest firmware releases added some new features, such as 301 discreet
measurement points per sweep.

I believe the software is based on the original NanoVNA code, but the
NanoVNA-F firmware code has not been released publically, so there's no
real way to say how much it has diverged. That's my only real
disappointment with it so far.

I do like the look of the new H models with N-connectors though. I'm not a
fan of fragile SMA connectors and myriad tiny adapters.
 

I have the same nanovna F from Deepelec that for sure is a great instrument for my mobile HF operations.
So, if I've well understood, with latest firmware upgrade the sweep steps increase from 101 to 301?
I do hope so?

Inviato dal mio telefono Huawei

-------- Messaggio originale --------
Da: BryonB <rf.excitation@...>
Data: ven 25 giu 2021, 06:40
A: [email protected]
Oggetto: Re: [nanovna-users] Nano-F - Did I make a Mistake?


I have the Deepelec NanoVNA-F, hardware v3.1 (with discreet buttons
instead
of rocker switch).

I've been impressed by it so far. I like the shielded metal casing and
extra large battery. I haven't tried any of the PC software with it yet,
but after calibration the results with my antennas look about as expected.

The latest firmware releases added some new features, such as 301 discreet

measurement points per sweep.

I believe the software is based on the original NanoVNA code, but the
NanoVNA-F firmware code has not been released publically, so there's no
real way to say how much it has diverged. That's my only real
disappointment with it so far.

I do like the look of the new H models with N-connectors though. I'm not a

fan of fragile SMA connectors and myriad tiny adapters.
Papi
 

Thanks to all, especially DaveD, Clyde and W0LEV. I have joined the "-F" group but will reply here for continuity. I am still learning but the F group has given me some specific insights (serial numbers, versions, etc.). My F was purchased, as an exchange of a 4" model, from a dealer on Amazon. I understand that I may (probably?) get a clone of Deepelec "real" versions. I'll have to wait and see. I do have the option of returning it if I want or need to so that's good. There are just sooo many variables in buying these things that a newbie gets easily swamped. I'll see what mine can do and if it performs for my basic needs It will be fine. Thanks to all. See you on the F group (somehow that just doesn't sound right LOL). Thanks.
 

I purchased a NanoVNA-F a few weeks or months after first buying a 2.8 inch NanoVNA. I wanted the -F for its MUCH better screen - I could not read the screen of the first, smaller unit while outdoors testing and adjusting my antenna. I had to connect it to the 'in-the-shack' end of the antenna cable and go inside and to the far end of the house to see if I adjusted the antenna correctly. Then back out for the next re-adjustment.

Operation of the -F and -H is nearly the same, and it's easy to switch between them. I do still use my 2.8 inch -H while I'm in the ham shack checking an antenna that's standing out in the yard or strung up in the nearby trees.

I have not seen the screen of the -H4 and can't really comment on its usefulness, but I DO consider the -F to be definitely the best choice. If I lost mine and had to replace it, I would certainly get another -F. If you use your Nano outdoors, you'll be glad you got the -F.

--
Doug, K8RFT

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